Venice in Context: The Independent Traveler's Guide to Venice

"This guide offers the history- and art-loving traveler 12 narrative tours of Venice using audio CDs alongside easy-to-follow maps, detailed diagrams of churches, and helpful information about how to get around. With more than 12 million tourists spending a day or less in the city, time is of the essence. Two guided audio CDs allow independent travelers the freedom to go at their own pace, picking and choosing what they want to see and when they want see it. Each carefully selected tourùwhether through the famed St. MarkÆs Square or other sites often overlooked by the busy travelerùbrings to life the cityÆs rich history and heritage with fascinating stories about historical figures, artists, and musicians. Included is a comprehensive historical and artistic time line and glossary."

Venice has always been one of Italy's top travel destinations. It does, however, present some unique challenges, including a confusing geography, unusual transportation options (vaporetto, gondola), and an overwhelming array of sightseeing choices. In response, Wayne, an Atlanta-based attorney who has traveled extensively across the European continent, has put together an exciting guide with a unique approach sure to satisfy both new and experienced visitors. The first in the "Europe in Context" series-conceived and written by Wayne-the guidebook is accompanied by two CDs that contain 12 audio walking tours, each offering useful and easy-to-follow information (maps are provided for each tour). Wayne has successfully adapted museum audio tour techniques to a tourist's walking tours needs-and since many travelers carry a portable CD player anyway, technology will not be a problem. Beyond the 12 tours, additional chapters provide historical background, travel planning tips, information on the vaporetti, web sites to consult for further travel information, and, most useful of all, a listing of admission fees and opening times for the attractions covered on the walking tours. A complete and satisfying tour guide for travel planners or travel takers, this is recommended for all travel collections in both public and academic libraries. [For a full media kit, visit the high-tech web site www.europeincontext.com, which offers in-depth information about the project as well as sample audio clips on MP3.-Ed.]-Olga B. Wise, Austin, TX Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.